Rekindled hope for Haiti

Miami Herald: With resigned President Jean-Bertrand Aristide comfortably out of the way, the United States has renewed its commitment to help rebuild Haiti. That was the reason for Secretary of State Colin Powell's well-timed visit to Haiti last week. Powell delivered the right message and pushed for the right policies for Haiti's recovery.
The United States now must move quickly to create an environment from which a foundation for a viable democratic government can be erected. First and foremost, there must be security and a well-defined plan for constitutional governance, including for elections and a date for the end of interim Prime Minister Gerard Latortue's rule.
Unlike any other country in the hemisphere, Haiti is almost completely a failed state. It has no elected leadership, no standing army, a shattered police force, broken infrastructure, few resources and a restive population desperate for jobs, stability and decent governance. Aristide and his supporters left nothing behind and even emptied the vaults of the Central Bank, according to Latortue.
Secure environment
As with Iraq, rebirth can occur only in a secure environment. This is why it is crucial that Latortue act quickly to arrest known criminals and disarm gangs and individuals, regardless of whether they supported Aristide or the opposition parties. In rounding up miscreants, Latortue must make sure that he is not seen to favor one faction over the other.
Equally urgent is the need to set an early date for elections. Thus far, Latortue has only said elections will be held in 2005 and that he will establish a Provisional Electoral Council to work out the details. The sooner a specific plan is in place, the better.
Powell said that the Bush administration would release $9 million for "strengthening democracy" in Haiti, including help for the elections. He also pledged $55 million for "economic and humanitarian assistance" this year. He rightly stressed the importance of fighting corruption, restarting the economy, creating jobs and disarming the thugs and criminals on the streets. And, importantly, he offered to provide Latortue with U.S. advisors to assist in the transition.
With this high-profile involvement, the Bush administration sends the message to our international partners that the United States is serious about rebuilding Haiti. The U.S. role is to prime the pump during this interim period in preparation for a transfer of authority to U.N. peacekeeping forces and our international partners.